Act for Kids is excited to announce its co-founder Dr David Wood was named the recipient of the Children’s Health Queensland Medal of Distinction alongside Kim Anderson. The medal is awarded to Queenslanders who have made a significant and sustained contribution to improving the health and well-being of children and young people.
Dr David Wood is a highly respected paediatrician who has dedicated himself to delivering the best possible health outcomes for Queensland children for more than 45 years, both as a clinician and a passionate advocate for children at risk of abuse and neglect.
In 1988 Dr David Wood co-founded The Abused Child Trust, now Act for Kids. He has been Chairman of The Abused Child Trust from 1991 to 2009, is a lifetime member of Act for Kids and has served on the Board or Board Committee since 1988. He is currently on the board of Act for Kids’ social enterprise Youthrive.
An important part of the legacy Dr Wood created is Act for Kids’ collaborative work with First Nations communities to create positive outcomes for children and young people. His research, publications and role as a lecturer at The University of Queensland have also contributed to children’s health and wellbeing, particularly on the impacts of child abuse and neglect.
Dr Wood has demonstrated a continued commitment and passion for children’s health and wellbeing that transcends his lifetime of work as a paediatrician. His emphasis on evidence-based programs is a legacy that continues to guide Act for Kids today. He implemented trauma-focused therapy services for children and young people well before it became widely acknowledged that childhood trauma had serious, potentially lifelong negative impacts on development.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines says Act for Kids exists because Dr Wood listened to the children, young people and families.
“Throughout all his work, his passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people has driven him to advocate on their behalf and to establish ground-breaking support services across Queensland and Australia.”
On behalf of the Act for Kids team congratulations Dr Wood on your well-deserved award and thank you for all that you have done not only for the organisation, but for children and young people all over Australia.
